Computer Tips and Downloads

Malware: Software that is intended to damage or disable computers and computer systems.

De-fragment: Reduce the fragmentation of (a file) by concatenating parts stored in separate locations on a disk.

Virus: a software program capable of reproducing itself and usually capable of causing great harm to files or other programs

Start up Programs: program automatically loaded after a computer starts.

User Accounts: A user is a person who uses a computer or Internet service. A user may have a user account that identifies the user by a username

Cookies: A message given to a Web browser by a Web server. The browser stores the message in a text file. The message is then sent back to the server each time the browser requests a page from the server.

Hardware: The machines, wiring, and other physical components of a computer or other electronic system.

Software: The programs and other operating information used by a computer

Delete all unnecessary files/documents.

Keep your recycling bin empty.

Minimize start up programs.

Keep user accounts to the bare minimum as it will slow down your computer a lot.

Ensure you only keep programs and documents you use a lot on your desktop

Never download something unless you completely trust the person who made it.

Avoid using pirated/unauthorized programs as they often carry malware.

Run virus scans often – early detection is better than finding it later

Ensure you have the correct versions of programs installed. e.g Make sure you have the 64 bit version of something if you run a 64 bit operating system

Make sure your computer has sufficient cooling.

Unpin unused programs from start up menu and toolbar (Windows 7)

Always keep free space on your HDD

Delete suspicious cookies.

Don’t leave your computer running for long periods of time without restarting or shutting down as this will occupy a lot of temporary data and RAM

Disable unnecessary gadgets (windows 7)

Close programs you aren’t using

When using a laptop make sure the power setting is appropriate for what you are doing. e.g, when using a program that needs a lot of processing power such as Photoshop or Sony Vegas always turn it up to high performance, but if you are using it away from a power source you should lower it to increase battery life.

Clean out your computers registry and unused temporary files using this program (ccleaner)

Never click suspicious ads online as they can often be misleading and possibly dangerous to your computer or personal details

Delete files and empty folders that are not 100% needed.

Limit the amount of programs that take up large amounts of space such as games.

Delete installers after installation has completed.

Always remove any unnecessary toolbar from internet browsers.

Ensure all your important files are always backed up and up to date.

Remove temporary internet files

Remove Windows temporary files, such as error reports.

Delete optional Windows components that you don’t use.

Delete installed programs that you no longer use.

Remove unused restore points and shadow copies from System Restore.

Delete system files (Windows 8).

TIP: If you’re using Windows 8, Windows 7, or Windows Vista, you can use Ready Boost to speed up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a system, it allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB flash drive or a memory card—to improve performance without having to add additional memory. With Windows 8, if you have a storage device that will work with Ready-boost, you’ll see an option to use Ready Boost when you plug the device into your PC.

Periodically perform a scan disk to make sure that your files are all in working order. This scan should be performed about once a week.

Don’t use your computer in an electromagnetic field or put magnets near your computer, that’s how you wipe data

Don’t keep multiple copies of documents

Keep computer well ventilated away from just and objects

You can keep your laptop running fast if you vacuum all the vents and ports out at least once every six months

Modern computers are very powerful but still can become slow if too many processes are running.